Around Hancock

May 25, 2006|by ANNE WEATHERHOLT

Winter's last gasp

The Memorial Day planting season is upon us, but the weather forecasters predicted a freeze the last two nights! Enjoy it while it lasts! I have heard that there was some snow in Canaan Valley a few days ago, and our friends in "far" Western Maryland had to cover up the pansies and tomato plants from "Jack Frost," who has usually moved on to his summer vacation plans in the Southern Hemisphere by now!

Wacky weather does have a few perks. For those of us who suffer from "hay fever," the cooler temps give us a break on the pollen count. The cooler weather usually means a little more moisture in the soil for the farmers, busy at this time. A sweater is helpful in the mornings, plus a jacket in the evenings or even during the day if the wind picks up.

Having spent many summers in Michigan, this is "lake weather," for June and September: bright sunny days, temperate, with a little bit of chill in the evening, just enough to make a fire in the fireplace welcome.

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We can be sure that in a few weeks we will long for the cooler weather, as we dash between air-conditioned homes and air-conditioned cars, into air-conditioned buildings, sweat drying on our faces, adding a sudden chill.

It is a humbling lesson for us humans that we cannot control the weather, only adjust to it. Kind of like much of life, and, as my grandfather once said, "It's a mark of leadership to ... ADJUST!"

Community sale

Gather up those "white elephants" which have congregated in your attic or basement and bring them to the Hancock Elementary School on Friday, June 9, for a Community Yard Sale! The PTA is hosting this event lasting from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They will also have a used book sale, so this is a great time to "clean out" those stacks next to your bed or in the corner! If you wish to donate books, you may call 301-678-7648 or bring them on by!

Excellent students

A group of Hancock High School seniors was honored at the Washington County Public School Annual Celebration of Excellence on May 18. Students must earn a 3.70 GPA or higher to qualify. This year the following seniors were honored: Sara Divelbiss, Jaclyn Mann, Tiffany Mann, Klara Shives, Edwin Stigile, Jaret Trail, Jennifer Willison and Elyse Watson.

Having known these students since they entered kindergarten, I can say with assurance that the Class of 2006 is an outstanding group!

These students represent the top academic group, but also have participated in sports and extra-curricular activities. Besides that, they are just plain old nice people, the kind any of us welcome into our homes and hearts. Classes coming up will have some pretty big shoes to fill!

Ascension services

Several area churches will observe the Feast of Christ's Ascension over the next few days. St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, at Church and High streets, plans Holy Communion in celebration of the occasion this evening at 7:30 p.m. The Rev. Allan Weatherholt, Steven McCarty and Seminarian Anjel Scarborough will officiate. The choir will lead the congregation in some great hymns. A pot-luck supper precedes at 6:30 p.m., and the festive evening is open to all.

St. Peter's Catholic Church will mark the Ascension at all of its Masses this weekend.

Ascension Day comes 40 days after Easter Day.

Choral concert

The Music Department at Hancock Middle-Senior High School presents its annual Spring Choral Concert tomorrow evening at 7. in the school auditorium. Choral Director Shayna Warnick has put together a wonderful program which will showcase teenage voices from grade six through the senior class. The 6th Grade Chorus will perform selections which feature young soloists, and there will be an uplifting medley of favorite tunes from Walt Disney films. The combined 7th and 8th Grade Chorus will also offer selections which feature soloists. Older students will perform in the Show Choir, where there will also be several soloists and some choreography.

All in all, more than 100 students will appear in tomorrow evening's concert, which promises to be an excellent one.

Come out and support these fine young men and women and their instructor.

Customer appreciation

This coming Friday, Douglas Motors in Hancock will be hosting a "Customer Appreciation Day" from noon to 7 p.m.

Douglas is one of the outstanding family-owned businesses in town and Steve and Nancy Douglas will be on hand to greet the customers who attend. There will be refreshments and door prizes throughout the day.

Small-town businesses are the backbone of American enterprise. These owners put a lot on the line as their reputations are built over a lifetime and must be upheld by continuing quality service and honesty. Nothing can kill a small business faster than poor quality in service, communications or responsiveness to the needs of the customer. The Douglas family has a lot to be proud of, and we salute them on this special day!